Down Syndrome:
~birth defect

~extra genetic materials cause delays developing both mentally and physically
~genetic disorder in which 47 chromosomes are present rather than 46 causing the delays
~1 out of 800 babies are diagnosed with it


Signs:
~ can be detected before the baby is born by having tests done
~ babies with it will grow at a slower rate
~ have similiar physical features such as slanted eyes, protruding tongue, short neck, white spots on the iris of the eye, and have small hands/feet and increased skin creasesexternal image down-syndrome.jpg


Development/Stages:
~ have this condition for their whole life
~ can vary from mild to severe
~ depending on how bad it is will affect their lifestyle
~ some people with DS can survive on their own, but yet others can not.


Treatment:
~ no cure
~ no way to prevent it because there is no way to control chromosomal functions
~ physical therapy may help because most people with DS have Hypotonia, which is low muscle tone, therefore physical therapy will teach the person to use their body correctly
~ speech therapy may help because most Down syndrome people have speech problems
~ Down syndrome people have a higher risk of health issues such as pulmonary hypertension, leukemia, skeletal disfunctions, thyroid and respiratory problems
~ have to have regular check-ups

Down Syndrome